Coumadin Vs Warfarin

My mom was on coumadin for many years but then her insurance company told her she had to take warfarin as this is the one they would pay for. Is there really any different in these two drugs? It seems to me that she has been having more problems with the warfarin (keeping this medication at the right level) than the coumadin. I was told they were the same medications and do the same. I just wanted to know if some people have difficulties taking warfarin vs coumadin??? Thanks.

Showing Replies 1 - 20 of 31

No, they work exactly the same for me. I have been taking one or the other for 3 1/2 years because of 2 pulmonary embolisms. I take 10mg a day. At times I go up and down but have been steady for a couple months now on warfarin. Food will change the way it works. Salads and some other greens really mess things up.

I am lying in a hospital bed as I write letter. On Warfarin My INR reading would go up nice and steady and get just over 2 and shoot up like a rocket!! It doesn't do that on coumadin. I did a little research and found warfarin has some of it's chemical make up was synthetically derived as apposed to coumadin which chemicals were naturally and biologically manufactured!!!

Under federal law, generic prescription medications are also allowed to differ in the active ingredient by as much as plus or minus 20%. The FDA considers this an acceptable window that will not affect treatment, however, when you are talking about a precisely calibrated drug like Coumadin/Warfarin, this can cause problems for some people.

It could be necessary to ask the doctor to write brand medically necessary on the prescription and avoid the generic if it is causing problems.

I have been taking warfarin for about three months because of pulmonary embolism. During these months, I have experienced shortness of breath with no apparent reason. Recently, I was to have a surgical procedure and had to stop taking the warfarin for a week prior. During the last few days, I was able to breath with no problem. I now wonder if warfarin is the cause of the breathing problem. If so, I will request to take coumadin instead. Any ideas?

I was on Warfarin because of a DVT and was vomitting and really sick in my stomach. My Dr switched me to Coumadin. It is a bit more expensive (4 times) but I am tolerating it better eventhough still a bit nauseaus at times. He says it is quite common with the generic brand.

Wafarine is identical to Coumadin. Green pill is 2.5mg Pink pill is 5 mg White p. is 10 mg You can send me some detailes, why you were put on blood thinner and perhaps, I will give you more alternatives.

Don't mess with the Coumadin. Warfarin absorbs differently in the body, and if you are hypercoagulant, you could stroke out. Do not change the meds. It is unfortunate that the insurance company cares more about $ than your mom's health. Do not change. It will cost more in the long run in hospital bills and rehab if something goes wrong.

Coumadin absorbs different in the body than warfin and one is biologically and naturally composed vs chemically synthetic. Also my protimes are all over the chart on warfin but on coumadin they stay pretty consistant.

My mother was on warfarin for a pulmonary embolism and was experiencing a few side effects 2 months after starting this drug. All side effects experienced were not recognized from her physicians. She was tested for a stroke and had a few MRI's done. She did have a spinal bleed 14 months after taking warfarin. An INR was done 2 days before the spinal bleed, which was within therapeutic range. She also refused to take her whole dosage and took half of the recommended dosage. Her INR at time her arrival to the hospital was 4.0. 2-3 bags of thickener was given before arrival to the hospiatl and 2 more given before surgery. I know she was not aware of certain foods causing havoc while on coumadin. We were not informed of this. She is now incontinent bowel and bladder, confined to a wheelchair for the rest of her life, has terrific pain all the time, and has to be on many meds for pain, spasms, UTI infections, tailbone pain and many other problems. Does anyone know of any lawsuits out there against this drug manufacturer. I have less than 2 weeks to find someone else who has a claim against this manufacturer. There needs to be more information on taking warfarin/coumadin for side effects and also diets, and whatever else can cause interactions with this drug. LIKE MANY INSURANCE COMPANIES, COUMADIN WAS NOT COVERED.

My mother was on warfarin. Her insurance did not cover Coumadin either. After being on warfarin, because of a pulmonary embolism, for 2 months, she had side effects of right sided weakness, tingling, numbness, also 3 eyebleeds, a bloody nose, back pain, and other possible side effects. Her physician missed the side effects and treated her for a pinched nerve, and thought she had a stroke. MRI's of her brain, and her lower lumbar region were taken along with x-rays. A stroke was ruled out and physical therapy was ordered. 14 months later she had a spinal bleed. She was transported to a larger hospital. Her INR 2 days before the spinal bleed is said to be within therapeutic range. She was given 2-3 bags of thickner before the transfer to a different facility. Her INR upon arrival was 4.0 and 2 more bags were given. Emergency surgery was done and she woke up paralized from the breast bone down. Almost 3 years after her surgery, she can transfer with help, but she will be in a wheelchair for the rest of her life. Everything has changed. She has to be catheterized every 4 hours and she is also bowel incontinent. She has unbearable tailbone pain and has to sit everyday. She is taking so many medications for pain and bowel regimen. She has leg and stomach spasms that are unbearable. IS THERE ANYONE OUT THERE WHO HAS PERSONAL EXPERIENCE or who knows of someone who has a lawsuit filed against the drug manufacturer of warfarin or coumadin??? We were not aware of any foods that may cause havac while taking this drug. These drug companies need to be honest and give us all the side effects and whatever information about their drug to the public. WE HAVE less than 2 weeks to file a lawsuit. My Mother turned 65 one day before her spinal bleed, leading to her paralisis.

You say you had breathing problems for no apparent reason...and you say you have had pulmonary embolisms. There's your reason. P.E.s block arteries in your lungs. You will feel like you can't take a full breath. Even though you can fill your lungs completely with air, part of your lung (s) is deprived of blood flow, so there is no gas exchange (oxygen for carbon Dioxide) in the effected portion of your lung. You feel "short of breath".

Pulmonary embolisms take a long time to heal and you don't really know what kind of permanent damage could be done. I was told that I could still be having shortness of breath up to a year after I had mine.

Also, if you are anxious about it that can make the symptoms worsen because it can enhance the sensation of not being able to breathe. I know because I have been to the hospital for a lot of false alarms. Better to be safe than sorry thought.

My doc just switch me from warfarin to coumadin and I am interested to see if I feel better. I have been on Warfarin for 3 years and it has taken it's toll on my body that is for sure.

I was taking Coumadin in the Hospital and after I got home they started giving me Warfarin. Now my stomach is upset all the time and I can't eat much of anything without it coming back up. I am going to try and get back on the Coumadin.

How much you eat and how often and what you eat does effect your Coumadin level. I recently stopped eating as much and have been on Warfarin for 6 years. I have a metal heart valve (aortic). Since I reduced my caloric intake I have acquired some new problems. diverticulosis, which was first diverticulitis. Now in the last 6 or 8 months I have developed celiac disease. Now I suspect but have not confirmed That the warfarin may have gluten in it for a binder. If this is true then it is a problem for me. It does cause serious pain in my lower abdomen and in my pelvic area. My Coumadin level spiked at 4.1 and is supposed to be 2.5 to 3.5. This is a very serious situation for those of us that have need of Coumadin. can anyone confirm whether this Warfarin has gluten in it or not?

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